This High Protein Chicken Salad is creamy, fresh, and filling without feeling heavy. It is made with tender cooked chicken, Greek yogurt, boiled eggs, crunchy celery, red onion, fresh herbs, and a simple tangy dressing that gives the salad plenty of flavor.
This is the kind of recipe that works for lunch, meal prep, quick dinners, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, protein bowls, or a healthy snack plate. It has the classic creamy chicken salad texture, but the protein is higher because Greek yogurt and eggs are added with the chicken.
The flavor is clean, savory, slightly tangy, and fresh. It is easy to make, easy to customize, and it keeps well in the fridge for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cooked Chicken
Use shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast for the highest protein and leanest result. Rotisserie-style chicken also works if you remove the skin.
Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt makes the salad creamy and adds extra protein. Use full-fat for a richer texture or low-fat for a lighter version.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Eggs add more protein and make the salad taste richer and more satisfying.
Celery
Celery adds crunch and freshness.
Red Onion
Red onion gives a sharp bite. Dice it finely so it does not overpower the salad.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon adds tang and depth to the dressing.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad and balances the creamy yogurt.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley, dill, or chives work well. Herbs make the salad taste fresh instead of flat.
Seasonings
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika add simple flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, optional but recommended for flavor
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
- Extra lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Use cooked chicken breast and shred it with two forks, or chop it into small bite-size pieces.
If the chicken is cold from the fridge, break it apart well so the dressing coats it evenly.
For the best texture, do not chop the chicken too tiny. A mix of small and medium pieces makes the salad feel more hearty.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Taste the dressing before adding the chicken. If it tastes too tangy, add a little more mayo. If it tastes flat, add more salt, lemon juice, or Dijon.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
Add the cooked chicken, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, parsley, and dill or chives to the bowl.
Gently stir until everything is coated in the dressing.
Do not overmix, especially after adding the eggs, because you want the salad to keep some texture.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving.
This gives the flavors time to blend and makes the salad taste better.
Serve it in lettuce cups, on toasted bread, in a wrap, over salad greens, with crackers, or in a high protein lunch bowl.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
Use plain Greek yogurt, not flavored yogurt.
Let the salad chill before serving. The flavor gets better after a little time in the fridge.
Dice the celery and onion small so every bite has crunch without big sharp pieces.
Do not skip the lemon juice. It keeps the dressing fresh.
Use cooked chicken that is not too dry. If your chicken is dry, add an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo.
Taste before serving. Chicken salad often needs a final pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is very flexible.
Good serving ideas include:
- Lettuce cups
- Whole grain toast
- Sourdough sandwich
- Protein wrap
- Tortilla wrap
- Cucumber boats
- Crackers
- Rice cakes
- Salad bowl
- Stuffed avocado
- Meal prep box with fruit and veggies
For a low-carb meal, serve it in lettuce cups with cucumber and avocado. For a filling lunch, serve it on toasted bread or in a wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chicken salad high in protein?
Yes. Chicken breast, Greek yogurt, and eggs all add protein, making this salad more filling than a basic mayo-only chicken salad.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use all Greek yogurt. The flavor will be tangier, but it will still be creamy.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh cooked chicken tastes better. If using canned chicken, drain it very well.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Remove the skin and chop or shred the meat before mixing.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can use cottage cheese blended smooth, sour cream, or a mix of mayo and yogurt.
How long does chicken salad last?
It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Leave a Reply